How Much Money Can You Make as a Lash Artist in Chicago?

If you’re considering a new career in the beauty industry, you might be wondering, “How much money can you make as a Lash Artist in Chicago?” The short answer: a lot more than you probably think.

Thanks to the explosive growth of the eyelash extensions industry across the United States, cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles are full of opportunity for talented, trained lash technicians. Whether you dream of working in a chic lash lounge, becoming a master lash artist, or starting your own lash business, the earning potential is real — and growing every year.

Let’s break it all down, from average salaries to real-world examples, so you can see why starting your lash career could be the great way you’ve been looking for to change your life.

How Much Money Do Lash Artists Make in Chicago?

In Chicago’s metropolitan area, the amount of money a Lash Artist makes depends on a few factors:

• Skill level (new vs. experienced)
• Type of lashes offered (classic set, volume lashes, volume sets, etc.)
• Client base (how many new clients you bring in and retain)
• Business model (self-employed lash artists vs. lash studio employees)
• Marketing efforts (social media presence, referrals, promotions)
• Services offered (additional services like brow tinting or lash lifts)

Average Income for Lash Artists in Chicago:

• Entry-Level/New Lash Artist: $30,000 – $50,000 per year
• Mid-Level Experienced Artist: $50,000 – $80,000 per year
• High-End/Master Lash Artist: $80,000 – $120,000+ per year

Yes, you read that right — many self-employed lash techs in Chicago earn six figures once they establish themselves.

How Earnings Break Down

Here’s a realistic example of how income builds:

• Full Set of Classic Lashes: $120 (average in Chicago)
• Full Set of Volume Extensions: $180 (or more)
• Lash Fill Appointments: $70-$100 every 2-3 weeks

Rule of Thumb: Each new client you gain becomes a recurring client who books a lash fill every 2–3 weeks.

If you:

• Do 4 full sets a week (new clients)
• Do 20 lash fills a week (returning clients)

At average Chicago pricing, you’d be looking at approximately $2,000 to $2,500 a week or more — that’s $8,000 to $10,000 a month. And that’s not counting additional services or higher prices you can charge as you gain experience!

What Influences Your Lash Artist Income?

Several important factors can push your income up or down:

1. Business Location

Working in a trendy area like Lincoln Park or River North might allow you to charge higher cost pricing compared to suburban or rural areas.

2. Skill Set and Services Offered

If you’re only offering a basic classic set, your prices will be lower. Offering volume extensions, lash lifts, brow services, and advanced lash extension application techniques means you can charge much more.

3. Marketing and Client Management

Strong social media marketing and good client retention strategies mean a steady flow of new clients and a fully booked schedule.

4. Self-Employed vs. Studio Employee

Self-employed lash artists keep 100% of their service revenue, minus expenses. Lash studio employees typically earn an hourly wage plus commission, which can cap your earning potential but also offer more predictable pay.

How Quickly Can You Start Earning?

At LucyLu Lash Academy, students are fully trained and certified to start lashing clients immediately after graduation. Our eyelash extension courses are hands-on and include:

• Live model practice
• Core training in classic lashes and volume lashes
• Client communication and business training
• Lifetime support after you graduate

You can start building your client base right after your first day of class is complete!

Start-Up Costs to Know

Becoming a Lash Artist is a relatively low cost of entry compared to many beauty careers. Here’s what you might expect:

• Eyelash Extension Training: $1,000 to $2,500 (depending on the program)
• Starter Lash Kit: $300 to $700
• Insurance and Licensing Fees: $300 – $500
• Marketing Budget (optional): $100+/month for ads or branding

In total, you can usually launch your own business as a lash artist for under $5,000 — an incredible deal compared to other careers in the beauty industry.

How Can You Increase Your Earnings Over Time?

Successful Lash Artists don’t just stop at offering new lashes and lash fills. To grow your income, you can:

• Specialize in volume sets and mega volume lashes
• Upsell facial services or scalp massage add-ons
• Add trending services like brow lamination or head spa treatments
• Charge higher prices as your reputation grows
• Use social media to position yourself as an expert and attract new clients
• Take advanced eyelash extension classes regularly to master the latest trends

And the best part? You set your own hours, build your own brand, and grow your income at your pace.

Why the Lash Industry Is Thriving in Chicago

The combination of a high cost of living in the United States and the growing demand for beauty services means that people are willing to pay more than ever to maintain their natural lashes and enhance their beauty.

In Chicago:

• Lash extensions are considered a must-have for weddings, events, and daily self-care.
• There’s a high population of professionals and influencers who want to look polished year-round.
• People value personal attention and customized individual needs care — something that great Lash Artists provide.

The bottom line? There’s never been a better time to enter the lash industry.

Ready to Build Your Dream Career?

If you’ve been searching for “How Much Money Can You Make as a Lash Artist Chicago” and dreaming about taking control of your future, this is your sign.

LucyLu Lash Academy offers:

• Comprehensive eyelash extension training
• Hands-on practice with live models
• Lifetime mentorship
• Business development coaching
• Real-world preparation to start your own lash business or work at a top local lash studio

👉 Enroll today in our 2025 Class — seats are filling fast!

Or call/text us at (773) 870-2816 to speak to a real person about your new career.

Final Words: Your Future Is Waiting

Being a Lash Artist isn’t just about lashes — it’s about creating beauty, confidence, and financial freedom for yourself.

With the right training, a little hustle, and the passion to succeed, you could build a thriving business that supports your dreams for years to come.

Don’t wait another year. Start your lash career today — your future self will thank you.

👉 Ready to change your life? Click here to enroll!